Leon's: The World is Upside Down

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

PM Bibi Netanyahu needs to change the conversation. I’m sick and tired of listening to him defending Israeli built settlements in Judea and Samaria (aka West Bank). The latest argument between him and secretary Kerry about whether or not the ‘settlements’ are an obstacle to peace is itself an obstacle to peace.

Although there are people like me who understand the deep hatred that the PA leadership harbours toward Israel and the Jews, I can see that most of the world might side with Kerry.

Bibi recounted correctly that for 50 years the Palestinians (I hate that word since there is no such people but am quoting Bibi here) have fought for the destruction of Israel, well before the 1967 Six Day War where Israel recaptured the land known today by some as the West Bank. So his defence is that since they hated us well before there were any Jewish settlements why would Jewish settlements today be an obstacle to peace?

Kerry agreed with Bibi’s history lesson. But still cried that despite the history, if Israel really wanted to make peace, they should stop antagonizing the Palestinians by building Jewish settlements in land that will one day be part of a Palestinian state and further more make that land non-contiguous -making any future state difficult to demarcate.

As you can see, Bibi’s defensive arguments will ultimately fail as do all arguments which avoid the real truth, the real issue or as aptly known as the elephant in the room.

So what is the real truth? Simple: Judea and Samaria (aka West Bank) belongs to Israel. Period.

Through the Mandate for Palestine, Israel has legal title to this land. If you believe in the Bible, she’s had it for thousands of years. If you don’t, it started no later than 1917 with the Balfour declaration and was completed in 1948 when Israel became a modern day Jewish State.

There are many fantastic organizations, some Jewish, some not, who defend Israel’s right to the disputed territories. Check this excellent one out: http://israelrights.com/en/

Don’t get me wrong. I have much respect and admiration of Bibi as Israel’s democratically elected PM. I’m sure there are many mitigating factors for him and some of his colleagues and predecessors going down the 2 state solution, road. But enough is enough.

It’s way past time to change the conversation. Stop defending your settlements that are built on your own land. Stop appeasing the haters. Tell the world that the land is ours as per our legal title. If and when we decide to give it away for any reason, it’s up to us and only to us.

As you might have figured out, I’m a Jewish activist. In Toronto, Canada we host a Gay Pride Parade every summer. Unfortunately, it was soon hijacked by an antisemitic group called Queers Against Israeli Apartheid (Quaia). There were quite a few citizens who didn’t like the group participating in the parade for various reasons. I didn’t like it because they were falsely condemning Israel of apartheid and doing so in someone else’s parade. The city created a tribunal to deal with complaints about the parade. I filled out the application and attended the tribunal to make my case against allowing Quaia to participate in the parade. The panel was composed of the former president of the Canadian Muslim Association, a lawyer who was part of Peace Now (an anti-Israel left wing ‘Jewish’ group) and someone else. I realized very quickly that this tribunal was a sham. They wanted me to defend Israel as not being an apartheid state. I refused to argue this point (I think I said that’s as silly as arguing that water is wet). My argument was simple. The large, expensive parade, in part paid for by my taxes, was to celebrate gay rights. It had nothing to do with Israel or any other country or political issue. I told them that thankfully we live in a democratic society. Quaia is free to organize their own parade on their own dime but should not be allowed to hijack our world famous Gay Pride Parade.

It took a couple more years but we eventually won this battle. Quaia is no longer welcome to participate in our parade. I’m pretty sure that had I and others tried to defend our cause by attempting to prove that Israel is not an apartheid state, Quaia would still be participating in the parade.

When Bibi avoids the elephant, he makes it very difficult for people like me who try to defend Israel. He makes it easier for her enemies to attack Israel. Case in point is the PA’s latest efforts to insist that the UK apologize for the Balfour Declaration.

I just wrote a letter to a British MP asking her to support the Balfour Declaration. But why should she listen to me when Israel’s own PM doesn’t seem to ever mention it?

I love Bibi, but if he won’t stand up for the Truth right now, it’s time for him to step down.

Saturday, November 26, 2016

Jews are at a crossroads today. On the one hand, the data shows us that antisemitism is growing world wide. In just about every city in the West, antisemitic incidents are escalating. Here in Toronto, a typical incident consists of painting swastikas on Jewish establishments. But elsewhere such as in Paris, Orthodox Jews must hide their identity in public to avoid physical attacks––or worse. Although France had the highest percentage of Jews post WWII, today French Jews are fleeing in droves. Jewish students at universities are under attack and they are watched so closely that they keep their pro-Israel voices shut. Israel has been on the defensive for years. She faces existential threats from Iran and is barraged by Muslims either strapping on suicide belts or firing missiles at her from the Gaza strip or the Syrian border. For the past 8 years Obama and his administration has not been a friend to Israel or the Jews––despite his claims to the contrary. To say that most governments in the West have made us feel uncomfortable, would be an understatement. The relationship between Israel and the US government has hit an historical all-time low. Both the Clinton and Sander camps contain many high ranking antisemites. Physical assaults on Jews throughout Europe are at an all-time high. All religions except for Islam, have lost many members. Churches are empty and some synagogues are facing a difficult time retaining membership. As a result, many Jews have lost their Jewishness. This has been an ongoing issue for many years, but it seems to have reached a critical mass at this point. But people (and Jews are no exception) need a cause. They need to belong. So many American Jews (and others) have found it in the Democratic party in the States. Or in the Liberal party in Canada. Many are even on the left in Israel. They will even ignore the obvious Jew haters within their ranks. Sometimes, the leaders themselves are complicit in this hatred, which is often ignored for the common good of the group.

Now to the point: The people who really need to hear this message are the left-leaning, democratic, liberal, baby boomers, and some Jewish organizations (like the ADL) who despise Trump. People who need to heed this message are the protestors, who rail against Trump in almost every metropolitan city throughout the world. As I write this, hundreds are protesting him in Paris. As Paris is burning, thanks to radical Islamist terrorists and the terrible economic burden induced by massive waves of Muslim migrants, many are protesting a democratically elected Trump. I’m including most of the younger, often arrogant population as well. I’m even including a few misguided Jewish Holocaust survivors that fear Trump and the people who voted for him.

The Message: The same group of mostly middle class, primarily Christian Americans & Canadians (e.g. plumbers, mechanics, farmers, construction workers, factory workers, blue-collar service workers and salespeople), who voted for Trump or would have if they could, are the same people who liberated our Jewish parents and grandparents from the Holocaust! This same group of whites and blacks and a smattering of others are the ones who risked and often lost their lives in order for us to survive. They liberated thousands of Jews who looked more like skeletons than humans in Auschwitz and other camps. These are the same brave men and woman who we ridicule for having the audacity for voting for the misogynist, racist, nut job, hater named Donald Trump. I think we owe them! We owe them a chance to enjoy the results from a legitimate democratic election. Why not stop attacking Trump every second of every day and give him a chance to succeed? If he succeeds we all win. The vicious lies have saturated the planet. From the lame jokes (lies) on the infamous SNL TV show to small unknown haredi newspapers who sometimes vacillate on him or his supporters. Poor Steve Bannon will be known as an antisemite in 20 years from now. His case resembles the ‘Jenin massacre'. Israel will forever be identified as the brutal murderers responsible for levelling an entire Arab city thanks to the constant repetition of this lie.

In addition to this cohort, there is a brave group of Righteous Gentiles who defend Jews and support Israel today. Some are Evangelical Christians, or just plain well informed Christians, some are Hindus, some are atheists and some are even Muslims. Some are white, some are black, some are Asian, some are gay, some are straight. We can learn a lot from them. I’m sad to report that in my own experience, many of these people are better engaged in supporting important Jewish & Israeli causes than many of these same democratic or liberal Jews who prefer to live with their heads in the sand. In Canada, we have “Israel Truth Week” which is often led by a Righteous Gentile named Mark Vandermaas who preaches that Jews must know that Israel holds the legal title to Judea and Samaria (aka The West Bank) thanks to the Balfour Declaration and the Mandate for Palestine. If we want to give it away for any reason, that’s up to us––but lets start with the truth. And there are many others across the world who warn us about the dangers from radical Islam. Have you heard from Dr. Tawfik Hamid, Geert Wilders, Brigitte Gabriel, Pat Condell, Douglas Murray and many others who have come to our rescue?

Christian Genocide in ME event in Toronto held at synagogue

credit David Lim

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my many Gentile followers of all faiths and colours. Many are people that I’ve never met. They are often the most vocal supporters/readers of my columns and emails and support my efforts to educate the public at large as to the real threats facing good people all over the world. These righteous friends defend those that need defending and in particular they identify antisemites and give credit to those who deserve it. We owe them a debt of gratitude. Let’s get out of our comfort zone and show them support.

The good news is that cracks have begun. It might have started with Brexit. Certainly the Trump win is a huge opportunity for real change and even Israel was elected to chair something within the UN! The Middle East is in turmoil; however, it could be a good turmoil vis a vis Israel. Hamas and Hizbollah are busy with ISIS. Saudi Arabia is focused on Iran and visa-versa. Former arch enemies such as Egypt may slowly become our allies. The stars have aligned. Now is the time for Israel to set the record straight. Enough insane talk about a two-state solution. Many former friends and backers to the PA have had enough. They too are sick of corruption and more importantly, they have their own problems to deal with. Abbas is irrelevant and obsolete. Bibi needs to stop talking to him or about him. Abas' own people hate him. But Trump won’t initiate the formal annexation of Judea and Samaria for Israel. The Jews have to do it on their own. Countries throughout the world need to take back their states. Charity starts at home. Let the wealthy Muslim countries take in millions of their own migrants from war-torn areas if they wish. We need to be pragmatic. We can see what happens when you let in millions of undocumented, unscreened Muslim migrants from terrorist-sponsoring countries. We do need to limit Muslim immigration. One has to be blind not to see what is going on in Europe. In step with the people who voted for Trump, lets give him a chance to succeed and let’s also support Israel to do the the same. Israel needs to finally do what’s in her best interest just like every other country in the world does. If this means embracing Righteous Gentiles and ignoring some liberal Jews, so be it.

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Almost since the day Trump won, I’ve been told that his new chief of staff Steve Bannon is an antisemite and is a member of the alt right.

I’ve read this on Facebook, from friends via email, from various blogs and of course CNN won’t shut up about it. Heck even large left wing Jewish organizations like the ADL have accused him of this.

I immediately smelled a rat but conceded that I'll reserve judgement until I learn more about who this Bannon guy is. My first thoughts were:

1. Why should we take the words of his ex-wife, words said during a heated divorce no less? And even if they prove true, does that absolutely prove that he is an antisemite? When I sent my kids to camp, I wanted them to go to a Jewish camp. I wanted them to associate with other Jewish children their age. Does that mean that I’m a racist?

2. A little digging about him and I found out that he was a former naval officer, worked for Goldman Sachs and worked in the entertainment industry. So we learned that he bravely served his country and worked for a large Jewish firm as well as in an industry known for it’s Jewishness. I ask you, is that something a real antisemite would do?

3. I can’t imagine that the Trump administration would nominate a chief of staff without intense scrutiny. Trump knows that the world is watching his every move and it would be folly to make a huge blunder right at the get go.

Turns out that the ‘renegade Jew’ article was written by David Horowitz on Breitbart’s site about Bill Krystol who lead the ‘never Trump’ campaign. It had nothing to do with Bannon hating Jews whatsoever!

In summary, not only is Stephen Bannon NOT an antisemite, he is a philo-semite (someone who likes Jews), defends Israel and is a loyal American and a great man. If he wasn't being appointed chief of staff I would assume that he would successfully sue for defamation of character.

I guess CNN, the Times and the rest of the MM (mainstream media) and the lefty organizations (Jewish or otherwise) didn’t get the memo. TRUMP Won! Despite their vicious, unrelenting attacks against him and any conservatives (and Israel), the American people saw through their BS and voted for him. Yet they continue to twist fantastic accusations at Trump and any of his staff or supporters in hopes of shooting him down. I would think that by now even left leaners would get tired of CNN and other MM hysteric nonsense. Their bias is though the roof. They have become a joke in poor taste. Not entertaining in the least and certainly can’t be taken seriously any more (if they ever could have been).

CNN, ADL and every other organization or person who accused Bannon or Trump of being an antisemite needs to publicly apologize to them both. But they won’t! I can name dozens of real antisemitic bastards who are part of Hillary Clinton & Bernie Sanders camps and the Obama administration as well.

One last thing - Since when does CNN or the Times care about antisemitism or insignificant events like the Holocaust anyways? All of a sudden they are our best friends (for the moment).

Monday, November 7, 2016

I notice that many right wing or pro-Republican pundits are careful not to choose a candidate. Even one of my favorite political analysts, Caroline Glick, simply pointed out why Trump has a chance to win despite all odds. He is anti-establishment and does not suffer from political correctness. You can read her excellent article here.

But for undecided voters let me say what Caroline didn't here:

If you care about Israel and anti-Semitism it's really a no brainer. Hillary surrounds herself with some of the worst, powerful anti-Semites in the world. Most Jews know that our biggest enemies are self haters. Former Jews like Blumenthal and Soros (the billionaire) are 2 of her close advisors and funders. Then you have Abedin, her closest advisor for 20 years. A Muslim who has proven ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. Her VP Keane is also sympathetic to the Muslim Brotherhood and like Hillary and her boss have been funded by states who continue to sponsor terror groups. Let's not forget about her boss who no one can argue, does not have Israel's back, despite him saying so.

On the other hand Trump's middle east advisor is an Israeli, his top advisor is his Jewish son in law Kushner. His Jewish (convert) daughter Ivanka remains a strong force on his team. His VP Pence has always supported Israel and remains a strong advocate for her.

Despite the establishment trying to paint Israel as the bad guy, most Americans see through the BS and remain loyal supporters. They also fear the rush of Islamic immigrants and the trouble they bring, to the US. Surely they see what is going on in Europe. You don't have to love or even like Israel or Jews to see that. While Hillary wants open borders, increase immigration from states that harbour large numbers of Islamic terrorists, is more concerned about climate change than jobs, Trump wants the opposite. For no other reason than to protect its citizens, Americans need to vote for Trump.

Here is a short summary: Trump sometimes says stupid shit and is often painful to listen to but Hillary was directly responsible for the murder of 4 Americans in Libya and had the audacity to blame it on a video. On top of that she is currently under investigation for using an unsecured email server for top secret emails and when confronted with it, she had all 30,000 plus deleted. The damage she has done to her country is unheard of for a Secretary of State. People with similar or lesser charges have gone to prison for that.

Friday, October 14, 2016

If you want people to respect your opinion you must speak the truth and back it up with facts when required. The UN and all of its committees have proven time and again that they don't care about truth of facts. They only care about one thing: delegitimizing Israel at all costs.

In this case UNESCO proved its insanity by ignoring Israel's 3000 year connection to Jerusalem including of course the Temple Mount where the most sacred Jewish site continues to stand. As per Moslem doctrine, these Islamic countries (who submitted the document to UNESCO) attempt to replace years of history and other non-Islamic sites with their own. They have done this repeatedly throughout the world wherever they can get away with it.

Here is UNESCO's document not only declaring that the Temple Mount is really an Islamic holy site but condemning Israel all over the map on everything they could have possibly thought of. It's a very daunting attack that typifies the stealth jihad approach that many Islamic people and Islamic sympathizers continue to take. The attempted legalese belies the total BS that is in this document. I couldn't read too much of it as I have an aversion to BS.

The tragedy here is the number of (temporarily) non-Islamic countries who support this utter nonsensical lie. 24 voted for it, 26 abstained and only 6 voted against it. I wonder where my own country, Canada, stood on this vote.

Anyone who supports the UN or any of its subsidiaries is out of their mind.

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Well intentioned people can get you killed. Like Obama who pressed for the Iran deal, the worst deal in history, I'm sure he had reasonably good intentions. But in effect he paved the road for Iran to build nuclear missiles. I'm pretty sure Peres had good intentions when he initiated the disastrous Oslo Accords which cost many Israeli lives and helped spread the false narrative that Israel is illegally occupying Samaria and Judea (aka West Bank) .

The fact that so many world leaders (arabs among them) are attending his funeral and saying nice things about him, helps prove my point. Had he been a staunch Zionist, the world wouldn't be so positive about him. The same folks who adored Yasser Arafat, one of the worlds most two faced, terrorist leaders, adore Peres as well.Like all people who've led a long and complex life, he's done some good and bad things. But I am against the world making him into a saint. He was far from it. Furthermore making him into a hero detracts from the real heroes in the world. I for one, will not miss him!

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

It’s now the day after the latest attack in Nice, France where at least 77 people were killed.

And so far none of the major media nor French government officials have yet mentioned that the attacker was a Muslim. They’ve really gone out of their way to not mention the words Muslim or Islam or Islamist in any of the reporting of this vile attack. It’s almost funny how hard everyone is trying to keep this a secret. It seems that calling the murder of so many people and so many injuries a terror attack was itself a mighty feat for the French.

I live in Toronto, Canada. Right now I’m up isolated up at my cottage. How do I know that the terrorist was a Muslim? Factually I don’t. But logically who else could it be? Sure it could be a random nutcase who got his hands on a truck and started to run over people. But the fact that the French leaders and the international media are so silent about identifying who the dead terrorist is tells me all I need to know. I have no doubt in my mind that this was a radical Muslim. Maybe related to ISIS or maybe related to one of hundreds of other Muslim terrorist groups.

Like Obama’s policy of refusing to identify Islamists as our number one enemy, Hollande and others in France and elsewhere in Europe, it’s really best not to mention this big secret. Shsh….

As if not mentioning it, the problem will go away. After all we don’t want to offend any Muslims. Because if we do, then we could get hurt. It’s okay to offend Christians, Jews or anyone else but lets leave Muslims out of it. They are ‘special’.

And what will France do about their country literally falling apart under their noses? They’ll have a 3 day vigil! That’ll teach the terrorists.

I find this so insulting that I could scream! Are we so dumbed down that we have to be told the news in tiny little increments? Of course in time (by the time you receive this email), we will finally be told that the terrorist was a Muslim. First we’ll find out that he came from a Muslim country. Then we’ll find out that his name was Mohamed. And finally we might be told that he was actually a Muslim terrorist.

If you can’t even identify your enemy then you have a slim chance of winning a fight with him.

France’s long term policy of inviting millions of Muslims into their country has finally caught up with her. This policy is insane and any objective French citizen needs to speak up on this ASAP. They should adopt Donald Trump’s policy to limit Muslim immigration until they can figure this out. All immigrants to all countries need to be carefully screened prior to entry. This process often takes a year or longer. My country under the leadership of Justin Trudeau is following France’s pathetic role to national suicide by bringing in thousands of undocumented, unscreened Muslims at an unprecedented rate. Besides bankrupting our country (which is happening right now), we are on queue to have our own version of France’s numerous, tragic Islamic terror attacks right here as well.

Believe me, if the terrorist was anyone other than a Muslim, we would by now know every last detail about the man, including his religion. When Bernie Madoff was caught stealing millions of dollars, I couldn’t find an article that didn’t mention his religion. It seems that his being Jewish was the most relevant fact in the event.

With leaders like Hollande and a left leaning French population, France is lost. They lack the stomach to get their country back. They will keep importing more Muslims and they will continue to wear eye patches and eventually they will all drown. Their old school anti-Semitism is still quite popular. One doesn’t need to dig too deep to uncover it. Maybe some feel that this bond will protect them from their Arab brothers. But they are too blind to see that it will not. How many more tragic, Islamic terror attacks must occur for them to figure this out?